Ocean Cruises in Europe
The European coasts are stunning regardless of the country, and it’s time to explore them via a cruise! Visit Mediterranean ports from Barcelona to Venice, visit the glittering Greek islands, discover the Norwegian fjords, tour Baltic capitals, and experience diverse coastlines. You're seeing multiple countries without unpacking constantly, tasting regional cuisines, and covering ground that land tours can't match.
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Eli • traveled in September
After having been to stunning Antarctica with the G Expedition, I never expected the Arctic to be as beautiful and diverse as it was. BUT I have to admit this trip totally blew me away! Driving though the pack ice spotting a polar bear eating a seal, walking on a massive glacier, admiring the huge mountain ranges, exploring the arctic flora on lush fields covered with alpine flowers, lakes, looking for ancient fossils in a desert area still covered by snow, walking next to calm reindeers eating grass, driving next to gigantic rock formations covered with nesting birds, watching at a polar bear sunbathing and swimming, taking photographs of massive sleeping walruses on the beach or cruising around bizarre icebergs watching at calving glaciers with seals popping next to our zodiac boats. We were lucky to have such perfect weather conditions and the sun seemed to follow the ship every day. The G Expedition team was absolutely brilliant. Everyone was very passionate about their work and tried to give us the best possible experience. The team offered lots of interesting lectures on marine life, polar bears, birds, history etc. as many specialists and scientists on board. The atmosphere on board is very friendly and relaxed and people feel very welcomed. The food and service were absolutely outstanding so watch out, you might gain some weight (or you go to the gym on board). Don't forget to take your swimwear as those guys will let you even jump into the Arctic waters (a must activity in my opinion) and don't worry there is a sauna where you can relax after this! The size of this ship and it's knowledgable team are the perfect combination for people who want to get the real expedition feeling. An absolute unforgettable experience on board the G Expedition and I'm already looking forward to be back on the ship as soon as possible!
Realm of the Polar Bear
10 best Ocean Cruise Europe tour packages
Compiled by
NadineEurope travel expert at TourRadar
- Baltic Splendor: Stockholm to Copenhagen 2026
- Ultimate Baltic & Nordic Marvels: Stockholm, Copenhagen & Norwegian Fjords
- European Discoverer (End Paris, With 3 Days Cruise, Moderate C Cabin)
- Splendours of Europe & Prague 2027
- Magnificent Rivers of Europe 2027
- Eastern European Escapade & Splendours of Europe 2027
- City Escape: Amsterdam & the Rhine 2026
- West Svalbard (11 Days)
- Highlights of Greece with Cruise (Start Athens, End Athens, With 3 Days Cruise, Moderate C Cabin)
- Croatia & Its Islands Small Ship Cruising on the Adriatic Coast (Zagreb to Dubrovnik) (2026)
Scenic Eclipse II's Baltic journey offers butler service and Swarovski telescopes in each suite. The route includes Stockholm's 30,000-island archipelago, overnight stays in Riga's harbor, and Bornholm's white beaches. Ten dining venues and the 550m² Senses Spa complement port visits.
Duration 12 days Destinations Sweden, Estonia, Finland, Latvia, Germany, Denmark Age Range Ages 18+ Operator Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours From
- US$17,895
The luxurious Scenic Eclipse II sails Europe's northern waters with all-verandah suites and butler service. The route winds from Stockholm's archipelago through Baltic capitals to Norway's fjords, featuring stops at medieval Tallinn, Copenhagen's Tivoli Gardens, and Bergen's historic Bryggen waterfront.
Duration 22 days Destinations Sweden, Estonia, Finland, Latvia, Germany, Denmark, Norway Age Range Ages 18+ Operator Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours From
- US$36,410
This three-day Celestyal Discovery cruise sails the Mediterranean, stopping at Mykonos, Kusadasi for guided tours of ancient Ephesus, Patmos, Crete's Minoan ruins at Knossos, and volcanic Santorini. It's part of a 29-day trip through 12 countries from Amsterdam to Paris.
Duration 29 days Destinations Netherlands, Switzerland, Italy, Croatia, Montenegro, Albania, Greece, Turkey, Vatican City (Holy See), MonacoSee all destinations Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Costsaver From
- US$8,474
Duration 18 days Destinations Netherlands, Germany, Austria, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary Age Range Ages 8+ Operator Emerald Cruises From $7,210
12% Off- US$6,341You save $869
Duration 15 days Destinations Hungary, Slovakia, Austria, Germany, Czech Republic, Netherlands Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Avalon Waterways From
12% Off- US$7,499+$504 upfront costs
Duration 25 days Destinations Czech Republic, Germany, Poland, Hungary, Slovakia, Austria, Netherlands Age Range Ages 8+ Operator Emerald Cruises From
12% Off- US$10,440
Duration 8 days Destinations Netherlands, Germany, France, Switzerland Age Range Ages 12+ Operator AmaWaterways From
12% Off- US$4,098+$250 upfront costs
What our customers ask about Ocean Cruises in Europe
What types of Ocean Cruise itineraries are available in Europe?
European Ocean Cruises span several distinct regions. The Mediterranean routes connect coastal cities like Barcelona Nice and Venice while Nordic voyages navigate through Norwegian fjords. Baltic Sea cruises bring travelers to Stockholm Copenhagen and Helsinki. The Scenic Eclipse II serves as a good example offering a 22-day Baltic & Nordic cruise that visits 7 countries including stops in Tallinn and Riga. Recent TourRadar travelers shared that "the variety of destinations and shore excursions made every day an exciting new adventure especially exploring hidden gems like Portofino and Saint-Tropez."
What's the best time of year to take an Ocean Cruise in Europe?
Timing varies significantly by region for European Ocean Cruises. Mediterranean routes work best from May to October with warm sunny conditions. The Baltic and Norwegian fjord sailings run mainly from June through September taking advantage of extended daylight and moderate temperatures. Arctic expeditions such as the West Svalbard route operate in June-July when ice conditions permit safe passage. A TourRadar guest noted on their Hurtigruten cruise "Visiting in September meant perfect weather for exploring ports with fewer crowds than peak summer months."
What size ships are used for Ocean Cruises in Europe?
Ships range from small expedition vessels to luxury mega-yachts in European waters. The Scenic Eclipse II carries 228 guests with nearly equal crew numbers and all-verandah suites. Smaller expedition vessels like MS Spitsbergen and Ocean Albatros host 200-250 passengers perfect for narrow fjords and small ports. The MS Sea Spirit provides 93 staterooms each with clear ocean views. According to a TourRadar traveler "the smaller ship size meant we could access charming ports like Portofino and Calvi that larger vessels can't reach."
What kind of cabins and accommodations are available on European Ocean Cruises?
Accommodations range from standard porthole rooms to premium suites. The Scenic Eclipse II features eight room categories including Deluxe Verandah Suites and Owner's Penthouses. Ocean Albatros offers 93 ocean-view staterooms most with private balconies. MS Sea Spirit includes Premium and Owner's Suites. A TourRadar guest at the Radisson Collection Hotel in Nice noted "the perfect blend of luxury ship amenities with stunning ocean views from our private veranda."
How many ports of call do European Ocean Cruises typically visit?
Most European cruises include 5-10 ports during 7-14 day journeys. Mediterranean routes often connect Venice Split and Dubrovnik while Baltic itineraries link Stockholm Helsinki and Copenhagen. Some trips like Hurtigruten's Atlantic coast voyage reach up to 10 ports including Lisbon Porto and Hamburg giving travelers a thorough regional experience.
What are the typical itinerary highlights on a European Ocean Cruise?
European Ocean Cruises connect diverse experiences from medieval Cartagena to the French Riviera. Popular Mediterranean stops include Barcelona Monte Carlo and Saint-Tropez while northern routes explore the British Isles and Norwegian fjords. Scenic's Mediterranean cruises showcase Ibiza's white villages Bordeaux's wine châteaux and Gibraltar's famous Rock. A TourRadar traveler remarked "The variety of ports and excursions was exceptional from cultural sites to stunning coastal scenery."